What do you typically imagine when you think of a collection? Usually it’s things like stamps, seashells, vinyl, tokens of a failed romance that you can use to start a museum for the broken hearts (it’s a real thing, by the way). But, no, not really – collections known no boundaries or judgments. People collect whatever they want to preserve over the years, including rare PS3 games. In fact, put some accent on the word “rare” for a second because this is one of the most important basis for collections.

Photo Courtesy of Naughty Dog

They come in limited editions, they’re valuable, and they’re something you can definitely be proud of if you’re lucky enough to own them. Here are 10 Rare PS3 Games You Need to Find and Play.

#1 Uncharted 2: Fortune Hunter Collector’s Edition

For a game considered to be a masterpiece with plenty of critical accolades being flung its way, it’s a bit surprising to see that there are so few copies available for purchase. The special edition for Uncharted 2: Among Thieves was basically a gaming paradise for fans of the series curtsy of its incredible bonus content and gifts. Now, because it’s one of the rare PS3 games, the value for a piece is estimated at $5,000.

#2 NBA Elite 11

Don’t be surprised that you didn’t get to play this game. EA had plans to release it sometime in 2011, but various reasons and interventions had them cancel their development in late 2010. However, they’d already sent some samples to retail stores, some of which kept them. So far, there are only eight known copies floating around.

#3 Fallout 3: Survival Edition

Although it included all of the items that could be found in the Collector’s Edition, Fallout 3: Survival Edition had a few additions that made it so special and valuable. One of them was an alarm clock replica of the Pip-Boy 300. But the truly puzzling thing was how it was sold exclusively on Amazon.

#4 Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – Black Chest Edition

It’s not that Black Flag is one of the rare PS3 games in itself – it’s not. It’s this special and ultra-limited, overpriced edition that’s the special contender. The Black Chest Edition featured a statuette of Edward Kenway, a black flag, and a treasure map among other goodies that made it worth over $850.

#5 The Last of Us: Post-Pandemic Edition

What’s better than owning critically acclaimed games to be proud of? Owning rare PS3 games that can do as much as triple their prices. The Last of Us’ Post-Pandemic Edition gave buyers figurines and some exclusive multiplayer versions and DLC’s.

#6 SOCOM 4: Full Deployment Edition

Unlike some of the other rare PS3 games on this list, this one doesn’t come packed with a bunch of fun features and gifts. Aside from the game, you only get a sharp shooter gun. But you know what? It’s incredibly awesome and that’s because it tracks player movements.

#7 Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm – Limited Edition

It’s right there in the title, folks. This popular 3D fighting game adapted from the even more popular anime series is the guilty pleasure we all need in our lives. When first released, this goodie-packed game was only $10, but now it costs around $230.

#8 Demon’s Souls: Deluxe Edition

Brought by the creators of Dark Souls and Bloodborne, Demon’s Souls Deluxe Edition went on a copy shortage after reprints were halted. We imagine people were exhausting the stock because of the strategy guide. Who can blame them?

#9 Assassin’s Creed II: Master Assassin’s Edition

Aside from the game, you get a unique assassin experience which includes two in-game maps, an Ezio statuette, and the rights to brag about owning some rare PS3 games. This edition was sold only in GameStops for $80.

#10 Bioshock Infinite: Ultimate Songbird Edition

Would you be willing to spend $250 for a copy and an awesome-looking Songbird figure? Don’t worry, you also get a bunch of goodies. For the PS3 edition, there are even less copies than in the case of the Xbox one, so consider yourself lucky… kind of.

Starting with the middle of the first decade of the 21st century, there has been a noticeable rise in popularity concerning superheroes. Long forgotten are the times when Superman was nothing but a laser-shooting alien goof wearing undies over his costume. These days, everything superhero related is put out there to show us that they mean serious business – starting with the achievements of the interconnected universe created by Marvel and ending with the array of superhero video games that keep us occupied in-between releases.

So, because they deserve just as much exposure and fame as comics and movies, we’ve decided to give superhero video games a chance to shine. Here are the Top 8 Best Superhero Video Games Released So Far.

#1 Batman: Arkham Knight

Despite the name of this entry, we are also considering the other installments in the series: Arkham City, Arkham Asylum, and Arkham Origins. The reason for this game’s insane popularity and critical success is shared with the explosion in quality provided by cinema. It showed that it means business. Arkham Knight enchanted us all with its graphics, gameplay, and the openness of the world.

#2 Spider-Man 2

For a very long time, Spider-Man 2 was considered to be on top of the list with the best superhero video games. It shares this honor with its movie counterpart, actually. The game was innovative through the vibes it transmitted, fueled by the openness of a world that made the feeling of swinging above Manhattan difficult to reproduce since.

#3 Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3

Fighting games are either a hit or a miss and, thankfully, Marvel VS Capcom 3 was the former. The game gives players the opportunity to form teams of three superheroes chosen from a varied roster. Then, they pit them against other superheroes, all of which have their unique set of moves.

#4 Infamous: Second Son

Superhero video games aren’t limited to the DC and Marvel icons we are all familiar with. Sometimes all we need is to step in the shoes of a powered character to have some fun. Infamous: Second Son was released in 2014 for the PS4 and it brings to the table all the goodies of a new generation open world adventure with superpowers.

#5 Freedom Force

Although this game was released in 2002, it manages to nicely hold up even today. It’s one of those superhero video games that want to take it a notch further than the typical fighting adventure, it’s a deeply strategic game with a lot of unique characters. Some people even dare to go as far as to call it an earlier version of everything we loved about Bioshock.

#6 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, released in 2006, represented the first step towards the goals that spawned the successful formula which helped the genre explode to new peaks of popularity today. It brought together numerous famous characters and let players evolve them to their best. It’s not just the array of hero choices that’s impressive, but the villains as well.

#7 Lego Marvel Superheroes

Legos are successful, superhero video games are successful – why not combine them both? This is what one game developer must have thought one day. Turning popular franchises and concepts into Lego-related games isn’t something novel or revolutionary but, time after time, it continues to prove to be successful.

#8 X-Men

No other parts are added to the title of this one. X-Men was released in the 90’s and it was one of the first superhero video games to cause waves of hype among fans. Released for the arcade, it brought people together around the consoles for a four-player co-op game that involved channeling unique (yet limited) powers in order to defend humanity against the array of Sentinels spawned to venture your way.

Open world games are here for one main reason: to immerse you into the gameplay. There is nothing quite as effective in that aspect as the possibility to roam freely and to make your own choices, walk your own paths, and pursue the storyline in the order you want. They may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but that is likely because of how time-consuming they are. If you are one of those people who want to solve every single tiny quest and explore every corner of the world, be ready to spend tens of hours of gameplay. But we love it. And this is thanks to the best open world games so far.

#1 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The fuss around Skyrim has already faded, even now, years after the release of the game. And there was a very rightful reason for people to be excited. It had dragons, it had all the right elements of an epic fantasy quest, and the sheer size of its openness gave players tens and tens of hours of gameplay.

#2 Grand Theft Auto

We couldn’t settle for just one title, though some fans argue that San Andreas might be the best installment in the franchise. Although some tweaks are made here and there, the main premise of the GTA series remains unchanged. This is a game that allows us to experiment with all the things morally and legally forbidden in real life, all under the title of one of the best open world games.

#3 Batman: Arkham City

A game that managed to knock Spider-Man 2 off its throne as the best superhero movie up to date, Arkham City is a superior follow up to the game released in 2009. Players are thrown in the boots of Batman and they are free to explore Arkham Island to their heart’s desire.

#4 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The conclusion of this trilogy went off with a blast, managing to give players everywhere a unique and fantastic experience as one of the best open world games. The atmosphere in Wild Hunt makes your gameplay feel less like a chore list and more like a real experience.

#5 Red Dead Redemption

This is a game that can be savored both by people who are fans of the western genre and those who are seeking a refreshing and challenging open world game. Rockstar Studios have made a name for themselves by producing some of the best open world games and this thrilling release doesn’t disappoint.

#6 Fallout

We’re in a similar position to GTA over here. There have been some titles that stood out through the franchise, such as Fallout 4 and New Vegas, but none on a Skyrim level. As a whole, the Fallout series gives an experience very similar to The Elder Scrolls, with the main difference being the setting.

#7 Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

It’s a bit of an odd choice, but so was the one to make the transition from a swift and linear gameplay experience to one with a little bit more freedom to it. The fifth Metal Gear Solid installment brought in a pinch of realism to one of the best open world games.

#8 Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

Perhaps Ubisoft’s defining title, Assassin’s Creed looked like it was on the verge of collapse after the general disappointment fans felt towards Assassin’s Creed III, a game that ended up feeling lackluster and dull despite all of the development. Don’t worry, Black Flag redeemed it and gave a complete revamp to the feeling and gameplay.

#9 Minecraft

Like it or not, Minecraft is an open world game – and one of the best open world games at it too. The following that it had built behind itself and the enthusiasm of the players are enough of a marker for its huge success.

#10 Dragon Age: Inquisition

Management positions aren’t exactly what we make them out to be, but Dragon Age sure wants us to be deceived. Leading your own troops, you explore a vast world, command armies, and defeat monsters, all without the tedious paperwork affiliated with being the boss.

Game lovers, unite. Yes, we purposely avoiding going down that path and invoking the “gamer” status that so many people argue over in YouTube comment sections. For a game to be a good one, what exactly does it need? There isn’t a single universal answer, such as video game music or graphics. That’s because some of the greatest video games in history managed to ascend to stardom by providing players with the perfect balance between every element.

It needs a good story, good characters, engaging gameplay, thrills and twists to keep our interest piqued, and an atmosphere. Let’s stay here for a while. The atmosphere can often make the difference. Take for example Amnesia: The Dark Descent and its status as one of the greatest horror games of all time. Despite not being riddled with jump-scares and gore all over the place, the constant feeling of dread and the building atmosphere are what made the whole experience.

And let’s be honest – nothing can contribute to a well-established atmosphere better than music. A game’s soundtrack is remembered as vividly as the experience, if not more, for the plain reason that you can always press play on your music player and revisit those tunes. So, based on how memorable the OST alone is, we give you the Top 10 Video Game Music We Will Never Forget.

#1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Image Courtesy of Nintendo

When you think of orchestra music in video games, you need to give credit to Ocarina of Time for its presence. Composed by Koji Kondo, the tunes heard in the background of Link’s journey is as timeless as it is magical. Even though Kondo had previously worked on other notable projects (such as Mario 2, 3, and World), many argue that nothing neither he or Nintendo created after managed to surpass it.

#2 Journey

Image Courtesy of Sony Computer Entertainment

No game has been given a more proper title than Journey. It may not be riddled with combat and action sequences, but the sheer atmosphere, messages, emotional value, and soundtrack managed to beat any other action-packed game. Having won several “Game of the Year” awards, its music, composed by Austin Wintory, was also rewarded for its three years of production with a nomination at the Grammy Awards.

#3 Ico

Not many people have heard about Ico and it’s definitely a shame. An old-school PlayStation 2 game released in 2001, it tells the story of Ico and Yorda, two runaways who try to escape their fates as sacrifices for different people. Although the game lacked commercial success, it made it for it through critical recognition. It was a work of art by many means and Michiru Oshima’s music perfectly captures the vibes by tapping both into the light and the haunting sides of the story.

#4 Chrono Trigger

Considered to be one of the most influential soundtracks of all time, Chrono Trigger’s music was the result of relentless dedication from Yasunori Mitsuda’s side. Many sleepless nights, weariness, and even sickness served as obstacles but, nonetheless, it was Mistuda’s dream to break the time’s barrier and prove that video game music can be given just as much thought as anything else.

#5 Streets of Rage 2

Image Courtesy of Sega

Back in the days when Sega was considered to be an underdog living at the mercy of the much more successful Nintendo, Sega managed to land a harsh blow on its competitor through the Sega Genesis. While Nintendo didn’t want to steer away from its family-friendly image, Sega released several titles much more oriented towards a mature audience. Street Fighter 2 was one of those violent, bloody, and grim examples, with the Yuzo Koshiro music that backed it up also dropping all chirpy soundtracks typical of Mario or Sonic the Hedgehog.

#6 The Last of Us

Image Courtesy of Sony Computer Entertainment

Remember when we talked about how a game needs all edges to be good in order to succeed? The Last of Us came out on top as one of the most acclaimed games of all time, receiving numerous accolades for the innovations it brought to storytelling, acting, and character development. The emotional factor balances out the dark post-apocalyptic landscape, and it’s fully complimented by Gustavo Santaolalla, writer of scores for Babel or Brokeback Mountain.

#7 Silent Hill

Speaking of acclaimed games, there isn’t a person who hasn’t heard of Silent Hill and the influence it had on all horror games that would be made from then on. The gameplay was innovative, the ambiance was atmospheric and filled with dread, and Akira Yamaoka’s score came as the perfect completion of the picture. Decades later, the static FM sound and the unsettling music still haunt the dreams of those who’ve played the game.

#8 Final Fantasy VI

Through a silent consensus, the gaming word has come to the agreement that Final Fantasy VII is probably the greatest game of the franchise. However, there’s one place where it had its thunder stolen from. Its predecessor, Final Fantasy VI, gave us one of the most iconic soundtracks of gaming. Composer Nobuo Uematsu was just beginning his ascension through the writing for VI and managed to set his reputation in stone by the time it was finished.

#9 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Image Courtesy of Konami

A list without Castlevania would be no list at all. There are many titles to pick from, but we assumed that it was only natural for the one with the word “symphony” in it to come out on top in terms of music quality. Brought into the game by Michiru Yamane, Symphony of the Night’s soundtrack was treading on a very thin layer of ice with its risky techno – classical combos. Luckily for us, it turned out to be one of those rewarding risks.

#10 Red Dead Redemption

Image Courtesy of Rockstar Games

Composed by the duo Bill Elm and Woody Jackson, the soundtrack for Red Dead Redemption mostly stood out through its unique partnership with the cinematography that managed to surprise everyone. They managed to prove that, not only does music matter and can be given a lot of narrative undertones, but that it can be even more impressive when packed with cinematic visuals worthy of matching those of Hollywood movies.

Boardgames have a relaxing way of bringing people together, be it children, teenagers, or adults, all for the purpose of tabletop gaming. It’s an excellent experience that will create wonderful bonds between people… or damage them entirely. The competitive edge of boardgames is often overlooked due to the fact that it’s not often you see people competing viciously against each other.

However, there are some choices out there that will both pull on your mental resources and might actually bring out the competitive player in you. Here are the top 10 best strategy board games that you can enjoy with your friends one “uneventful” Friday night. They will be the best choices, provided you can still remain friends afterward, but here’s hoping there no sore losers around.

10. Small World

You have to know a few titles of strategy board games by now. Think of Small World as the lively, more relaxed version of Risk. It pins players against each other as they attempt to conquer lands and gain coin depending on their race and magical beings. Small World is an excellent fantasy game, which will put your strategic mind at work. If you’re also into roleplaying, it will certainly add a bit of a fun twist to the already beautiful artwork.

9. Carcassonne

This particular farming/strategy boardgame is gaining more and more fans every day. It’s perhaps one of the well-known titles on this list because it’s easy to play and you may engage in a “match” basically anywhere. Carcassonne is a good looking and unique representation of medieval fortifications and road thievery that will keep you entertained. You have to develop areas, draw in followers, creating cities and fields for yourself. Create the best territory, and you win the game. It has numerous clever extensions and near infinite re-playability. It’s also very easy to learn.

8. Gloom

Strategy mixes with role-playing and story-telling abilities in Gloom. You know you’re in for a fun game where your main purpose is to kill off your own characters and make your friends’ characters happier. Each players gets a family of perpetually miserable people, along with cards that can either make them happier or more depressed. The purpose of the game is to create a story centered around each family, until you can ultimately kill them. Make them too sad, and they die. They die, and you win.

It’s a game based on points, where you have to think strategically which card will make your characters more miserable. And, which of them will make your opponent’s characters happier. It’s an incredibly fun game, especially if you create a story with the amusing cards. For example, literally dying of public humiliation.

7. Betrayal at House on The Hill

It’s perhaps not the typical definition of what you think is “strategy”. You will not command dark forces meant to kill the other players and gradually eliminate them. Actually… you will. Betrayal at House on The Hill is an amazing example of how a co-op game can turn into a competition. The basics are simple: you and your friends enter a haunted house, each with your own character and their own traits. As you venture through the terrifying scenery, you uncover items, events, or omens.

Gather enough omens and it will be inevitable that you will launch the Haunt. When that happens, the game will force one of you to become “the betrayer”. That means that they will get special abilities, be it magical or minions, and they will be tasked to kill everyone else in the house. The rest have to band together to stop the betrayer, but it’s no easy task. You don’t know what abilities the Haunt gave them, and there are around 50 different scenarios, so there’s definite re-playability.

6. Sequence

A card game, a boardgame, a team game, a strategy game, an easy game. Sequence can be played by many players or just one on one. It’s so simple and so engaging that one match will never be enough. The purpose of the game is to pay attention to the cards in your hand, the slots on the board, their positioning and how to create your lines. It’s essentially a boardgame version of tic-tac-toe that requires a little more strategy.

You have to carefully plan out your patterns and keep an eye out on the other team. It can become incredibly entertaining because you have to make sure you create opportunities for yourself and destroy them for others.

5. Dead of Winter

One of the prettiest games on this list. Dead of Winter is immensely exciting, beautifully created, and has a bit of a “bluff” element to it. You and your friends are survivors, held up in a place you have fortified for yourself while zombies roam outside. Depending on one of the many scenarios you get, you need to survive for a different number of days. That means that you need go out into the winter night, surrounded by zombies, scavenging for food, medicine, or resources.

If you can last the attacks and acquire everything you need, you will win. However, you will get more people coming into the compound and they will require their needs met as well. Many mouths to feed. Not to mention the fact that one of the players might be a betrayer. So, besides the cold and zombies, one player might actually have to sabotage all of you in order to win the game. You better be a good liar and not let them know that’s your purpose, because you will get exiled otherwise. The betrayer needs to play as if they’re part of the team until it’s their time to strike.

4. Ticket to Ride: Europe

A relatively simple game that involves a lot of strategy and perhaps a few silent alliances between players. You and your friends all construct railroads from one destination to another. Generally, the version of the game displaying the map of Europe is considered better, even though there are a few more options, such as the map of the United States. You receive cards with instructions that only you will see, and will be required to create routes from destination A to destination B.

In order to start building, you have to “buy” those trains with another set of cards you draw. However, other players might be interested in the same trains and in similar routes. If they play it smarter and have a bit more luck, they might just block off your road. So, block theirs first.

3. A Game of Thrones: The Board Game

Quite possibly the most complicated one on this list. If you’ve seen the hit HBO series, you already know what to expect. The point of the game is to conquer all Westeros and get on that Iron Throne that every family in the land is vying for. Players will be the head of a major House, and they will need to handle their resources, as well as understand how to play their main characters. For example, the Lannisters will have iconic names such as Tywin or Jaime to use, each with their own set of skills.

The true point of the game, however, you might’ve already guessed it. Make alliances and then break them viciously. In the end, there’s only one ruler of Westeros, and you should sharpen your knife while shaking hands with the other.

2. Risk

We’ve covered the prettiest, the most complicated, and now it’s time for the most popular. Risk has become one of the most well-known strategy boardgames in the world. Your luck at dice is mixed with strategic advancing. As it is in war, you need to know when to fight and when to run away from a battle that you cannot win. Of course, if you’re a wizard with dice, you might as well give it a shot.

You need to manage your troops, arrange them, acquire them, and complete goals faster than other players. And fight, of course. Risk truly sounds more complicated than it is, but it’s certainly one of the games that you will get better at with time. The veterans will likely crush the beginners, so never lose hope when you lose. Nobody became a general in a day.

1. Settlers of Catan

An award-winning boardgame that will require you to negotiate your way into a win. It’s a tile-placing game that results in incredibly re-playability, especially if you purchase the extensions as well. The purpose is to create cities, armies, and earn points until you’re declared the winner. However, these are the mere “on paper” aspects of the game. The true fun is had in clever placing and reaping the benefits of someone else’s dice throw.

You have to build your cities, but you will never get all the resources by yourself. So, be prepared to negotiate and always remember that you’re all fighting for the same purpose. However, only one of you can ultimately win, and your bad trades might just be what helps your opponent be crowned the best settler of Catan.